Neighborhood Watch is one of the most effective crime prevention programs in the country, bringing citizens together with law enforcement to deter crime and make communities safer.

Focusing on organization, communication and education, Neighborhood Watch participants look out for one another - without being nosey or obtrusive. They are observant of unusual activity and report suspicious activity. Participants are never asked to act in lieu of the police or put themselves in dangerous situations.

A Good Neighborhood Watch

Allows for communication among neighborhoods and the police department, giving residents greater access to criminal activity information and one-on-one interaction with law enforcement officers

Encourages neighbors to know one another

Provides opportunity for neighbors to come together and address issues as a group

Participates in National Night Out Against Crime the first Tuesday of August

Has fun!

Getting Started

Form a small planning committee

Decide on a date and place for an initial neighborhood meeting

Select a Captain and Co-Captain(s)

Establish a neighborhood roster and map

Recruit as many neighbors as possible using brochures provided by RPD

Identify areas of concern in your neighborhood

Consider linking with an existing organization, such as a homeowners association that may provide an existing infrastructure

Gather facts about crime in your neighborhood by checking police reports and our online crime map and learning residents' perceptions. Often, opinions are not supported by facts and accurate information can reduce the fear of crime

Contact the Redmond Police Department to help organize your meeting and discuss your neighborhood's problems and needs with the group

Neighborhood Watch Captains

(One volunteer suggested per 10-20 households)

Schedule periodic (2-3 per year) neighborhood meetings and encourage residents to attend. These can, and should be, fun--they don't always have to be "business" meetings.

Attend quarterly captain's meeting hosted by RPD

Act as a representative or liaison between your neighborhood and RPD. Distribute information provided by RPD to the group, such as crime patterns in the area